A pioneering Scottish beef and sheep breeder with a long track record of achievements has been announced as the 2019 recipient of one of the livestock industry’s most prestigious prizes.

James K. Goldie of South Bowerhouses and Townfoot Farms in Dumfries is used to bringing home silverware from the Royal Highland Show, but this year he can add the Sir. William Young Award to his list of wins.

James, or Jim as he is best known, is synonymous with livestock breeding having been at the forefront for over 50 years. His awards include two stock judging wins at the Highland Show in 1962 and 1964.

Highly respected for his breeding expertise, Jim has represented Scotland at International Stock Judging for Beef, Sheep and Dairy.

He has judged cattle and sheep at all major pedigree shows around the UK, including all four Royal Shows, Smithfield and the Paris Show.

A pioneer

In 1969, he was one of the first breeders to import Charolais cattle, followed by Limousin in 1977, and later on Rouge and Bleu Du Maine Sheep – all of which went on to win Championships at both the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Agricultural Show.

Goldie also bred Farah who won the first ever Charolais championship at RHS in 1972.

The ‘Goldies’ prefix is engrained through both the Charolais and Limousin national herd books. In 1985, he exported the Limousin heifer Goldies Victoria to Texas for £38,000, which was a record for a heifer at that time. Thereafter Goldies Comet sired the 125,000gns world record for a beef female.

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Jim’s dedication has also ensured strong demand for his livestock in the UK, achieving the top prices for his Charolais, Limousin, Bleu Du Maine, Rouge, Texel and Lleyn.

Tragically in 2001, 30 years of pedigree breeding was wiped out by Foot and Mouth disease. However, under Jim’s leadership, his Charolais and Limousin herds, and Texel and Lleyn flocks were successfully rebuilt.

His vision has enabled his two sons, Hamish and Bruce, to continue the Goldies’ success story and grow the family business into two separate successful enterprises.

Jim is always at the shows and sales and continues to enjoy the fruits of the next generation’s successes.

“Livestock is Jim’s passion, which is reflected in the world-class animals he produces,” said RHASS chairman Jimmy Warnock.

His achievements are remarkable; to be consistently leading the way in his industry is credit to a man who is truly committed to excelling in livestock management.

“He has shown true resilience and his understanding and insight into livestock breeding is evident in the success he has enjoyed. Jim is a true asset and very worthy of this year’s Sir. William Young Award.”

He said: “I am delighted to have received this prestigious award and honoured to have been selected from our industry which has so many outstanding and dedicated livestock breeders.”